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Special Needs Swim Lessons in River Forest

Private, at-home special needs swim lessons. One-on-one instruction for Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and more – in your home pool.

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Private special needs swim lessons in River Forest, IL!

When raising a child with special needs, learning to swim can feel like another hurdle – but it’s one that can be overcome. At Sunsational Swim School, we’re proud to offer special needs swim lessons near you in River Forest. Our experienced instructors teach one-on-one lessons for children with Autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, physical disabilities, and more. Our goal is to help our special needs students build water confidence, improve fitness and learn essential water safety skills.

Sunational Swim Lessons At Home!

We make special needs swim lessons near me convenient by letting you choose the schedule and location – whether it’s in the comfort of your home pool or a community pool. Our patient, caring instructors adapt lessons to your child’s unique needs, ensuring a positive and supportive experience that helps them thrive as safer, happier swimmers.

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We cater to many needs

Autism, Asperger’s or related syndromes

Cerebral Palsy

Down Syndrome

Sensory Integration Disorder

ADHD

Physical difficulties

Sensory challenges

And many others

Why are River Forest SNAP swim lessons so important?

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in the US for children under 14, and in most cases, it happens in just minutes – even when a caregiver is nearby. In fact:

Why Swim lessons important image
75%of children who drown were out of sight for five minutes or less
9 out of 10drowning deaths occur while an adult is present

Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is one of the best ways to prevent drowning by teaching them essential water safety skills

Featured kids swim instructors in River Forest, IL

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in River Forest. Every Sunsational swim teacher is a vetted aquatics professional, CPR/First Aid certified, passes a national background check, and has a proven track record of successful teaching before they even land an interview with Sunsational. We back their expertise with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Why? Because we know great instructors mean fast results!

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Amy P.

Amy P.

River Forest, Illinois 60305

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Abigail H.

Abigail H.

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Misha N.

Misha N.

Chicago, Illinois 60651

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Alyssa Z.

Alyssa Z.

Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Mary R.

Mary R.

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Rosalynn R.

Rosalynn R.

Chicago, Illinois 60632

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Ava J.

Ava J.

chicago, Illinois 60631

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Lici S.

Lici S.

Chicago, Illinois 60618

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Emily M.

Emily M.

Chicago, Illinois 60642

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Sophia B.

Sophia B.

Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Cortney A.

Cortney A.

Chicago, Illinois 60610

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Victoria K.

Victoria K.

Chicago, Illinois 60626

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We're so confident in the quality of our swim instructors that we stand behind them with our Sunsational Instructor Guarantee!

If your first lesson is anything less than Sunsational, just let us know and we can either refund your unused lesson time or re-start your lesson package with a more suitable Instructor, your choice!

Start swimming faster with personalized special needs swim lessons in River Forest

At Sunsational Swim School, we believe special needs swim lessons are essential, and we make them convenient for families in River Forest. With flexible scheduling and lessons at your home pool, your loved one can learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Our instructors tailor each one-on-one session to your child's unique needs, ensuring personalized lessons that help them build confidence, improve skills, and achieve meaningful progress.

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start swimming faster img

Benefits of swimming lessons for special needs students

It could save their lives

Often it is simply a lack of awareness that causes danger among children with special needs. Our special needs swim lessons educate kids on all aspects of water safety, and the skills they need to survive in a water environment.

Help boost confidence & self-esteem

Many children with special needs have problems with confidence, but successfully learning a new skill like swimming with the help of a special needs swim instructor can make all the difference.

It improves their fitness & strength

Special needs children can benefit from the improvement of strength and fitness that comes with our swim lessons, making them healthier and more capable.

Improve coordination & range of motion

Swimming is an activity that improves balance, coordination and range of motion, all things that many special needs children struggle with. Our talented special needs swim instructors can help your child improve their skills in each area as they learn to swim.

instructor image

Special Needs And Abilities/ SNAP Swim Lesson Pricing

The more you buy, the more you save! Have special funding? We accept grants from third-party organizations to support swim lessons for special needs students.

1 Student

30+ Minute Private Lessons

(1Hr+ Can be divided by multiple students)

18 lessons

$

73

/ 30 minutes

-13%
$

102

/ HOUR

-11%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

78

/ 30 minutes

-7%
$

108

/ HOUR

-6%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

84

/ 30 minutes

$

115

/ HOUR

*60+ minute lessons can be divided into back-to-back lessons for multiple children

Swim Lessons With Local Swim Instructors You Can Trust

instructor image

What makes our Swim Instructors Sunsational?

Passed Extensive Background Checks

Vetted Experienced aquatics Professionals

Current CPR/First Aid Certification

Company Liability Insurance for All Sunsational Lessons

Patient, Caring and Love Teaching!

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Hand-assigned to you by our expert matching team based on your needs!

Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons

Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons

Private Swim Lessons

vs

Group Swim Lessons


Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualized instruction

vs

Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention

Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back

vs

Preset class schedules, often different schedules for each child

Save time lessons at your home or community pool

vs

Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons

Faster Progression saves money in the long run

vs

More Sessions Needed to see real progress

Search Nearby Instructors

*If you'd like to work with a specific instructor, we'll do our best match you with your request. However, instructor availability is not guaranteed. If the instructor is unavailable, we'll pair you with a swim instructor who's equally qualified!

Instructor Amy P. profile Card Image

Amy P.

River Forest, Illinois 60305

Sunsational Vetted Since 2023

Hello families and future swimmers. My name is Amy Prah and I am thrilled to be part of your journey to becoming a safe and proficient swimmer. A little about me: I've spent many years as a competitive swimmer, then a competitive swim club coach, then an instructor to children, adults and those with special needs. So it's safe to say I have a love for the water. I am honored to work with you and look forward to helping you accomplish all of your swimming goals. See you in the pool!

Instructor Abigail H. profile Card Image

Abigail H.

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi! My name is Abigail. I was a competitive swimmer for thirteen years, a swim instructor and lifeguard since February 2023, and an assistant swim coach since February 2023. I have a passion for swim safety and a belief that everyone can and should be taught how to do it. I enjoy teaching the basics of swim safety all the way to technique for competitive athletes and am happy to meet every student where they are. Together we can make every student safer in and around the pool deck. Happy swimming!

Instructor Misha N. profile Card Image

Misha N.

Chicago, Illinois 60651

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi everyone! Im a former Division I athlete and an experienced youth coach since February 2015, and I enjoy helping swimmers build confidence, water safety skills, and strong fundamentals in the water. Each lesson is tailored to the swimmers age and comfort level.

Instructor Alyssa Z. profile Card Image

Alyssa Z.

Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hello! My name is Alyssa. I have my A.S. from College of DuPage and am currently finishing my Bachelors at UW - Madison. I have experience in competitive swimming and water polo, and I have been a swim teacher since February 2022. I have experience teaching group and private lessons for ages 6 months to adults, with skill levels ranging from novice to competitive swim team, including students of all ages who struggle with fear and/or confidence in the water. I have experience teaching students with special needs: Autism (verbal/non-verbal), severe ADHD, and minimal physical handicap. I am a native Spanish speaker and offer the option to conduct lessons in the preferred language (English/Spanish). I look forward to teaching my students confidence, safety, and strength in the water!

Instructor Jacqueline S. profile Card Image

Jacqueline S.

Chicago, Illinois 60639

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

My name is Jacqueline, and I have been a swim instructor since October 2023. I have been trained and certified by the YMCA. I am committed to helping my students by creating a welcoming, encouraging, and engaging environment during my lessons. I prioritize safety and quality while making sure my students have fun!

Instructor Janet S. profile Card Image

Janet S.

Chicago, Illinois 60630-4676

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

Im Jan and Ive been a swim instructor for more than 20 years. Working in both community programs and private lessons. I teach ages 2 - adults, though I am open to special needs learners too. I am passionate about sharing my love of the water by teaching swimming! I want to teach you how to be safe in the water and swim so that you have a new skill when you go back to school. And to any adults who have always wanted to learn, this summer would be a good time.

Instructor Jack S. profile Card Image

Jack S.

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hi everyone! I'm Jack (21 Male) and I'm excited to be your private swim instructor this summer. I live in Elmhurst, IL, and have been a water polo goalie for over 8 years, including currently playing at Occidental College in Los Angeles where I'm getting a biochemistry degree before I go to med school. I was on the York High School Swim team for 4 years and led our York Water Polo team to state two years in a row. In addition, I helped run the Elmhurst Park District Swim Program for two years and have experience teaching all ages and skill levels (infant to adult). Im looking forward to meeting you all this summer!

Instructor Christopher R. profile Card Image

Christopher R.

Chicago, Illinois 60623

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

My name is Christopher Rodriguez. I have been swimming since the age of seven and have been teaching since February 2020. I have always been passionate about showing others new skills and am very patient with young or older students. My experience comes from a background of general teaching that began in high school as a lifeguard. Moving on to a dual lifeguard/swim instructor role, I began my teaching journey. I have taught students ages 1-76 and am mostly focused on teaching competitive swimming. Thank you, and I am excited to get started!

Instructor Mary R. profile Card Image

Mary R.

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

I have been passionate about swimming for as long as I can remember. I started as a competitive swimmer with FMC Swim Club at age 5, competing through my high school years. Over the years, I have gained extensive teaching experience, working with swimmers of all ages at the Elmhurst Park District, from toddlers to middle schoolers and even adults. Additionally, I have taught private lessons and lifeguarded at La Grange Country Club and River Forest Country Club. As a sophomore nursing student, I am driven to share my knowledge of swimming, water safety, and skill development with others. I am also CPR and AED certified, and I am eager to help swimmers of all levels feel confident and safe in the water.

Instructor Rosalynn R. profile Card Image

Rosalynn R.

Chicago, Illinois 60632

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

My name is Rosalynn Ross and I go by Rosie. I am a pre-med major at UIC. I have been teaching ages 6 months to 80 years old for 30 years. I enjoy teaching everyone to be safe in and around the water. I started teaching at the McGaw YMCA in Evanston in 1995. I have also coached at the YMCA in Arlington Virginia and Westchester California. I also worked at the JCC as the Aquatic supervisor/swim coordinator. While working at the Santa Monica YMCA I was promoted to Aquatic Director. It was during covid and we were the first YMCA to bring back swim lessons. I feel that swimming is an important life skill that everyone should learn. I have a great passion and patience for coaching swimming to anyone no matter what age or level.

Instructor Ava J. profile Card Image

Ava J.

chicago, Illinois 60631

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

Hi, I am Ava Jimenez. I am a junior currently going to Illinois State University. I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor for 4 years. I have previously played competitive water polo and was an assistant coach for a team. I am excited to share my passion for the water with students ages 2 - adults!

Instructor Lici S. profile Card Image

Lici S.

Chicago, Illinois 60618

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hi, Im Lici! I am a lifelong swimmer with 15 years of competitive swimming experience, up to the collegiate D1 level. With 6 years of teaching experience as an American Red Cross WSI (Water Safety Instructor), I have taught students of all ages and abilities. Whether its your babys first time splashing in the pool, your child ready to feel confident around the water, or an adult excited to improve your skills, I strive to make your lesson fun, safe, and rewarding.

Instructor Emily M. profile Card Image

Emily M.

Chicago, Illinois 60642

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

Hi, Im Emily! I obtained my bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky in Finance. Ive been teaching kids to swim across the Chicagoland area for 10+ years beginning with being a lifeguard and pool manager. I love how quickly little ones can develop such important skills. I believe people learn best from praise and when they are having fun! Outside of work, I love painting, floral design, and animals.

Instructor Sophia B. profile Card Image

Sophia B.

Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hello! My name is Sophia I have been swimming since I was 5 years old, starting in the shallow end of the pool and working my way up, learning the various strokes, safety skills, and synchronized swimming! I completed my Lifeguard/CPR/First Aid certification and have experience teaching at a private swim school, where I worked with students ages 3-16 and a variety of capabilities! I have experience working with children with special needs and will accommodate lessons to fit every students learning style. I am a very creative person, so I will make each lesson engaging and fun! I speak fluent Polish and conversational Mandarin, so we can also practice our basic language skills in the pool I look forward to swimming with you!

Instructor Cortney A. profile Card Image

Cortney A.

Chicago, Illinois 60610

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hi there! I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2023 and love helping swimmers of all ages feel confident and have fun in the water. My lessons are all about patience, kindness, and encouragement. Whether youre splashing for the first time or working on your strokes, well make it a great time together! About me: I love reading, movie nights, good food, and cuddling my cat.

Instructor Josephine C. profile Card Image

Josephine C.

Chicago, IL 60654

Sunsational Vetted Since 2022

Hi. My name is Josephine and Im a swim teacher and swim team coach. I can teach life saving strokes as well as competition strokes. I work as a substitute teacher currently and was a competitive swimmer for many years. Im experienced in teaching all ages of swimming as well. Im a college graduate with a degree in psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development. I love teaching because its important to keep a child or anyone safe in the water. Im good at what I do and love it.

Instructor Miguel Angel M. profile Card Image

Miguel Angel M.

Chicago, Illinois 60613

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

Hello and welcome! Im Miguel, and Im excited to help you achieve your swimming goals. With a background in Physical Education and a masters in Physiology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our sessions. Over the past seven years, Ive worked as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and triathlon coach for both children and adults in the United States and Colombia. Im passionate about sharing my expertise and believe that with the right plan, anything can be taught and learned. Thank you for choosing Sunsational! Im confident that together we can enhance your swimming skills, whether you aim to compete or simply enjoy the water safely.

Instructor Victoria K. profile Card Image

Victoria K.

Chicago, Illinois 60626

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hi! I love teaching Learn to Swim as it combines two of my passions: swimming and teaching. My swimming journey started as a child taking swim lessons and then joining a club and high school swim teams. As an adult, I am now a triathlete and continue to swim laps mostly in Lake Michigan. I've had experience teaching Learn to Swim since September 2021, both as an instructor and as the pool director for a summer camp, where I managed and supported a team of seven swim instructors. When I'm not teaching swim lessons or swimming myself, I work as a preschool teacher in Chicago. I have experience working with a wide range of ages, as I have taught second and third grade in the past as well. I look forward to swimming with you!

Instructor William M. profile Card Image

William M.

Chicago, Illinois 60621

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Im a Chicago-born native and graduated from Kenwood Academy. I was a 3-sport letterman in baseball, basketball, and football. Going into college, I studied computer animation at Los Angeles Film School University and received my bachelor's degree in May 2022. During the summer, I do lifeguarding and swim instructor training as a love for the water environment. I also coach for a swim team at Whitney Young School called the Blue Dolphins.

Instructor Ernest R. profile Card Image

Ernest R.

Glenview, Illinois 60025

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hello! Im Eric, a rising junior at Emory University, a state and national-level swimmer with numerous top placements, and the current captain of the Emory Swim Club. Im a former varsity swim team captain with over 10 years of competitive experience, and I specialize in all four strokes. Ive coached and mentored swimmers of all levelsfrom beginners learning the basics to advanced athletes refining technique. My approach is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each swimmers goals, whether thats improving stroke mechanics, building endurance, or boosting confidence in the water. Im passionate about helping others enjoy the sport as much as I do.

Instructor Colby P. profile Card Image

Colby P.

Chicago, IL 60637-3634

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

I am an experienced swimmer who has swam at the state level with the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatics Club. I also have 7 years of swim instruction experience as well as lifeguard experience. I have worked with all age ranges and am comfortable in my ability to have anyone feel comfortable in the water.

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Got questions?

We have answers. How do you support students with special needs?

We make scheduling easy. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend lessons are avaialble 6AM-8PM to fit your family’s lifestyle. You choose the days, times and number of lessons per week that works for you. Because all lessons are private, scheduling is completely flexible and can be adjusted for vacations or weather. In River Forest, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.

Private adaptive swim lessons help swimmers develop confidence, motor skills, sensory balance, and water safety awareness—skills that extend beyond the pool. For families in River Forest, private lessons mean convenience, personalized attention, and the reassurance of a trusted instructor coming directly to your pool.

Absolutely. Sunsational specializes in private, at-home swim instruction, so lessons happen in a familiar and comfortable environment. Many families in River Forest find that teaching in their own pool reduces sensory distractions and anxiety, helping swimmers focus and thrive. In addition, swimmers learn to safe where it matters most--their home!

Yes! Sunsational Swim School proudly provides adaptive swim lessons for children and adults with special needs throughout Chicago. Our certified instructors are trained to work with a wide range of learners—including those with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and sensory processing differences—using patience, flexibility, and proven teaching techniques.

Each lesson is customized to the swimmer’s unique abilities, comfort level, and learning style. Instructors focus on trust and communication first, then gradually introduce floating, kicking, and breathing skills. The pace is gentle and guided entirely by the student’s comfort—creating a positive, confidence-building experience in the water.

Yes—Sunsational instructors are certified in CPR and are insured under our company liability insurance policy. Many have professional experience working with children on the spectrum or with physical or developmental disabilities and are certified in adaptive teaching techniques. Every instructor is matched carefully to your swimmer’s needs and communication preferences that you note in your registration.

Our swim instructors travel to your home or community pool. Learn to Swim Guaranteed
with a Sunsational instructor!


Bring the swim school to your pool!™

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